Pathologists' Assistant

Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Schedule: Monday – Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Relocation Assistance: Up to $10,000 (subject to approval)
Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Pathologists' Assistant (PA) to join a well-established Anatomic Pathology team in Winston-Salem, NC.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative, hospital-based pathology environment, providing essential support in the gross examination, dissection, and processing of complex surgical pathology specimens under the direction of qualified pathologists.

The selected candidate will work closely with experienced subspecialty pathologists, pathology residents, laboratory leadership, and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic services. Responsibilities will include gross specimen examination, surgical pathology documentation, resident education, research specimen coordination, and quality assurance initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in surgical pathology, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary team focused on diagnostic excellence and patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive gross examination, dissection, description, and processing of surgical pathology specimens received from operating rooms and outpatient clinics.

• Prepare tissue specimens for histologic processing and microscopic examination by pathologists.

• Perform gross specimen photography, documentation, and preparation of related surgical pathology reports.

• Ensure accurate specimen identification, orientation, measurement, sampling, and documentation according to established gross pathology protocols.

• Collaborate with attending pathologists regarding complex surgical specimens, gross descriptions, specimen orientation, and appropriate tissue sampling.

• Provide instruction and hands-on training to first- and second-year pathology residents on proper grossing techniques and departmental protocols.

• Assist with resident workflow coordination and review rotation schedules in collaboration with senior or chief residents.

• Implement tissue-based research protocols, including specimen procurement, processing, and communication with research investigators.

• Ensure research protocols are properly documented, maintained, and accessible within the surgical pathology laboratory.

• Participate in surgical pathology quality assurance activities and provide data for monthly quality reports.

• Maintain and update gross specimen processing manuals, procedural guidelines, and departmental protocols.

• Ensure accurate filing and maintenance of surgical pathology reports, specimen records, photographs, slides, and associated documentation.

• Verify appropriate specimen coding, billing, and administrative documentation.

• Monitor laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspace conditions to support efficient daily operations.

• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety procedures, infection prevention standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with pathologists, residents, laboratory staff, and clinical teams to ensure timely specimen processing and optimal workflow.

• Participate in continuing education, process improvement initiatives, and professional development activities.

• Perform additional Anatomic Pathology responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

• Successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, or active ASCP Pathologists' Assistant certification obtained prior to 2010.

• ASCP Pathologists' Assistant (PA) certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.

• Strong knowledge of surgical pathology gross examination, tissue dissection, specimen handling, and processing techniques.

• Ability to accurately document gross findings and prepare comprehensive surgical pathology descriptions.

• Understanding of anatomy, pathology terminology, and laboratory specimen processing procedures.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently under the direction of qualified pathologists while functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Proficiency with computers, including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and laboratory documentation systems.

• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and maintain efficiency in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment.

• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and patient confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Pathologists' Assistant Studies or a related field.

• Previous experience working as a Pathologists' Assistant in a hospital-based, academic, or high-volume surgical pathology laboratory.

• Experience grossing complex surgical pathology specimens across multiple organ systems.

• Experience working alongside subspecialty-trained pathologists and pathology residents.

• Previous involvement in resident education, training, or grossing competency development.

• Experience coordinating tissue procurement and processing for clinical or translational research protocols.

• Familiarity with CAP, CLIA, and other applicable laboratory regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Experience participating in surgical pathology quality assurance, workflow optimization, and process improvement initiatives.

• Strong familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking, and pathology documentation workflows.